Union Minister Chirag Paswan, leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has publicly expressed his support for conducting a caste census in India. This move comes shortly after Paswan criticized the BJP government’s lateral entry policy into civil services, highlighting the nuanced political stance he is taking within the ruling coalition.
During a press conference on Sunday, as reported by India Today, Paswan emphasized the importance of a caste census, stating, “My party (the LJP) has always kept its stand clear that it is in favour of the caste census.” He elaborated on the reasoning behind this position, explaining that many government schemes are designed with the intent of aiding marginalized communities. “The reason for this is that several times, both the state and the central government draft many schemes keeping the beneficiaries’ caste in mind. Those schemes are prepared with the thought of connecting people from the ‘backward’ class with the mainstream,” Paswan noted.
Paswan further argued that an accurate understanding of the caste composition of the population is essential for the equitable distribution of resources and the benefits of government schemes. “Only when the central government is aware of caste-wise populations can they figure out proper distribution of resources and scheme benefits,” he added.
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Paswan’s endorsement of the caste census contrasts sharply with the BJP’s position, which has consistently opposed the initiative. In recent parliamentary sessions, the BJP has resisted attempts by the opposition to introduce a nationwide caste census. Despite this, Paswan, who currently serves as the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, continues to maintain his party’s stance, advocating for the census as a tool for social justice.
This stance also places Paswan in ideological opposition to the BJP on this particular issue, while aligning more closely with the Congress party’s position. The Congress, during the last Lok Sabha elections, pledged in their manifesto to conduct a socio-economic caste census if they were voted to power. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had also promised to conduct a survey to measure wealth distribution across different communities.
Paswan’s recent statements highlight the complex dynamics within the ruling coalition, as he navigates the demands of his party’s base while maintaining an alliance with the BJP. His criticism of lateral entry appointments, labeling them as “completely wrong,” adds another layer to his evolving political narrative, which seems increasingly focused on issues of representation and equity within government policies.
Paswan’s positions indicate a calculated effort to balance his party’s traditional base with the broader electoral strategies of the BJP, while also asserting the LJP’s distinct identity on key issues. His support for the caste census, in particular, underscores his commitment to addressing the needs of marginalized communities in India.